The Disney elevator ride, known as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, is one of the most iconic and thrilling attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This ride, which first opened in 1994, takes guests on a chilling journey into the Twilight Zone, combining elements of dark-ride storytelling, suspense, and sudden drops.
The elevator ride at Disney is known as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This attraction, which opened in 1994, takes guests on a thrilling journey into the Twilight Zone, featuring immersive storytelling, suspense, and randomized sudden drops. The ride’s theme revolves around the mysterious disappearance of an elevator and its passengers in a once-glamorous Hollywood hotel.
The Historical Background
The idea for the Tower of Terror was conceived during the design process of Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios) when the park needed a unique attraction to draw in heavy crowds. The storyline revolves around the fictional Hollywood Tower Hotel, a once-glamorous establishment that was abandoned after being struck by lightning on October 31, 1939. This event caused a supernatural occurrence that resulted in the mysterious disappearance of an elevator and its passengers.
Features That Set It Apart
What sets the Tower of Terror apart from other park attractions is its unique blend of immersive storytelling and thrilling drops. The ride vehicle, an Autonomous Guided Vehicle, is locked into place in each elevator shaft. The ride experience is randomized, meaning that guests can ride the Tower of Terror multiple times and never experience the same sequence twice.
The Ride Experience
The ride experience starts as you enter the hotel’s lobby, which is covered in dust and cobwebs. You are then directed to the library, where a short film hosted by Rod Serling, the narrator of the original Twilight Zone television series, sets the stage for the ride. The story revolves around the hotel’s mysterious disappearance of an elevator and its passengers on Halloween night in 1939.
Tips for Visitors
To make the most of your Disney elevator ride experience, consider learning about the ride’s backstory, paying attention to the theming, choosing the right time to ride, preparing for the experience, and embracing the thrill of the journey into the Twilight Zone.
Evolution Over Time
Over the years, the mechanics of the drop have been changed several times, with the introduction of randomized drop sequences to enhance the thrill factor. The ride has also expanded to other Disney parks, including Disney California Adventure and Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris.
Interesting Anecdotes and Trivia
Disney Imagineers viewed 156 episodes of “The Twilight Zone” for inspiration when creating the Tower of Terror. The architecture of the tower was inspired by multiple Southern California landmarks, such as the Biltmore Hotel and the Mission Inn. The lobby of the Hollywood Tower Hotel was outfitted with antiques and furniture purchased at Los Angeles-area auctions and prop houses.
In Summary
The Disney elevator ride, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, is a thrilling and immersive experience that combines elements of dark-ride storytelling, suspense, and sudden drops. Whether you’re a fan of the original television series or looking for a unique thrill, the Tower of Terror is a must-ride attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ride duration for The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror?
The total ride duration, from entering the queue to the end of the ride, is approximately 15 minutes. The actual elevator drop sequence lasts about 2 minutes.
Is The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror suitable for children?
The Tower of Terror can be quite intense and may not be suitable for younger children. Disney recommends that riders should be at least 40 inches (102cm) tall. Parents should also consider their child’s tolerance for dark, enclosed spaces and sudden drops.
Are there any health restrictions for The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror?
Yes, due to the nature of the ride, it is not recommended for guests with high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this experience. Expectant mothers should not ride.
Does The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror offer FastPass+?
Yes, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is one of the attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that offers the FastPass+ option, allowing guests to skip the main queue line and reduce their waiting time.
Is the ride experience at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror the same in all Disney parks?
While the ride’s theme and storyline remain the same, the ride experience can vary slightly from park to park due to differences in the ride’s design and layout. For example, the version at Disney California Adventure has a different drop sequence compared to the one at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
